Every family situation is different, but Ohio’s family court system considers a similar set of factors when making decisions about where your child should live. When possible, the family court system often favors joint custody arrangements that allow your child equal, or close to equal, time with both of you. This type of arrangement may not be appropriate in all situations, though. So, when determining what arrangement might serve your child well, courts often consider his or her best interests.
What are some of the considerations that go into determining your child’s best interests with regard to parenting time and custody arrangements?
Your wishes, your ex’s and those of your child
When appropriate, family courts consider your own wishes as well as those of your ex when it comes to parenting time and responsibilities. If your child is old enough and mature enough to have an opinion on the matter, his or her own desires may also factor into final decisions.
The mental and physical health of you and your ex
Whether you and your child’s other parent have the mental and physical fitness needed to parent also comes into play in child custody decisions. If neither of you have any physical or mental limitations, you may be more likely to wind up sharing custody and parenting time.
Your willingness to honor arrangements
The willingness of you and your child’s other parent to stick to agreed-upon plans may also help determine your child’s custody arrangement. If one of you has a history of blowing off the other when it is time to transfer the child between homes, this may hinder custody chances. The same holds true if one of you has child support obligations and does not stay on top of them.